Friday, 11 March 2011

St. Mirren Vs Aberdeen: Match Preview

Kick Off: 12.15 GMT

Coverage: Live on BBC Scotland

After their top six aspirations ended on Monday night Aberdeen will be hoping to restore some semblance of meaning to their season by cementing a place in this years Scottish Cup semi final. Saturday's opponents St. Mirren are also in the midst of a disappointing season, currently a place below Aberdeen in 11th, seven points ahead of rock bottom Hamilton with a game in hand.

Chris Maguire returns from suspension and should go straight back into Aberdeen's starting XI with Zander Diamond also looking set to retain his place at centre half despite suffering a head injury on Monday night. Craig Brown's most difficult decision looks to be whether to partner Chris Maguire with Scott Vernon up front in a 4-4-2, or to use Maguire and Sone Aluko either side of Vernon in the more experimental 4-3-3 formation that they have lined up with on occasion this season. Fraser Fyvie, Darren Mackie and Yoan Folly are all still long term absentees for the Dons and all look to be out for the rest of the season.

St. Mirren haven't won at home since October 30th, when ironically enough they defeated a poor Dons side 2-1. Craig Brown will no doubt be looking for a reaction after three matches without a win - he has called this his most important match of the season and will find little disagreement among Dons fans. Defeat would see their season all but over while a victory would bring some much needed excitement to the North-East. My prediction: A nervy 1-0 victory for the Dons.